Official MLBlog of the Kansas City Royals front office.

Homestand Highlights: September 27-October 3

The Kansas City Royals wrap up the 2010 season with a seven-game homestand against two probable American League postseason contenders. The Royals first welcome the Minnesota Twins, who have clinched the A.L. Central title, to Kansas City for a three-game series, September 27-29, before the Tampa Bay Rays make their only trip of the season to Kauffman Stadium for a season-ending four-game series, September 30-October 3. The Rays continue to battle the New York Yankees for the A.L. East lead.

As a thank you to fans for their tremendous support during the 2010 campaign, the Royals have a number of fun promotions and special events planned for the final homestand, highlighted by the annual Futures Night festivities on October 1 and Fan Appreciation Night presented by Sprint on October 2.

· Youth Night – Hy-Vee Infield seats are just $3 for youth 14 and under at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office. There is a limit to three discounted tickets for every one regularly priced ticket for the same game. www.royals.com/fanvalue.

Friday, October 1 – Tampa Bay Rays vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

· Futures Night – The Royals salute the Pitchers and Players of the Year from each minor league affiliate prior to the game. The prospects will participate in an autograph session from 5:30-6:15 p.m. at Gate A in the Outfield Experience before receiving their awards in a special pregame ceremony.

· Hy-Vee/Pepsi Fireworks Friday – A spectacular fireworks show after every Friday home game.

· Kurt Busch First Pitch – Penske Racing’s Kurt Busch, 2004 NASCAR Cup Champion, is scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game. Busch, who currently ranks fifth in the 2010 Sprint Cup standings, will be participating in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods at the Kansas Speedway on October 3.

· Fan Appreciation Night presented by Sprint – The Royals reward fans for their tremendous support throughout the season with prize giveaways throughout the game. All fans in attendance have a chance to win autographed memorabilia, tickets to the club’s 2011 Opening Day game, Crown Seats and a Dugout Suite for a 2011 home game, gift certificates to the Majestic Team Store, MLB.com’s online shop, Hy-Vee and local restaurants, and gifts from DRI DUCK, Miller, Commerce Bank, Sprint, Anheuser-Busch and Aquafina.

· Bark at The K – In conjunction with MetroPet Magazine, the Royals are hosting the second annual Bark at The K. Proceeds from the event, which begins at 11:30 a.m., benefit the Greater Kansas City Humane Society, Half Way Home Pet Adoptions and Wayside Waifs. All three charities will offer adoptions during the event. All Bark at The K tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information and to purchase a package, which includes an exclusive Royals dog bowl, visit www.royals.com/bark. The dog bowl is part of the Bark at the K ticket package and not a general promotion.

TRAFFIC REMINDER: The Royals would like to remind fans that Stadium Drive is currently closed at Raytown Road. To access parking on the west side of Kauffman Stadium, fans may proceed on Raytown Road past Stadium Drive and will be able to enter the Truman Sports Complex through Gate 5. To access parking on the east side of Kauffman Stadium, fans may continue on Raytown Road approximately one mile past Gate 5 and enter the complex through Gate 4.

Fans may purchase tickets online at royals.com, by calling 1-800-6ROYALS, at area Hy-Vee stores or at the Kauffman Stadium Box Office.

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